Broadband could soon be a reality here

By Annette Newcomb – Editor

County residents, businesses and schools could soon have more reliable broadband service.

During the March 5 Committee of the Whole meeting, Twin Lakes trustees discussed a proposal by HierComm Networks. The Hartland-based company wants to place an antenna on the communications tower located by the Twin Lakes Police Department.

The company hopes to provide high-speed wireless broadband service to schools and law enforcement.

Ken Schlager of HierComm, said in a telephone interview that the company already has 16 antennas in place throughout the county. “We’re trying to provide 100 percent coverage,” he said last week.

The only stumbling block for the Twin Lakes Board is the fact HeirComm also wants to offer broadband to the general public, at a fee. That would make the service a “for profit” enterprise. Village administrator Dave Cox said if the residential services are offered at a fee and HeirComm would be making money from that, then the village wants to look into reaping some kind of payment for allowing the use of its tower.

Cox is confident an agreement will be worked out and prior earlier this week expected to meet with county officials to discuss the situation and find a solution that will work for everyone. The board could vote to approve the HeirComm  request at the Monday, March 19, village board meeting.

In other village news the board and the Town of Randall are working on an agreement for road repair on Legion Drive, a the village limits, in conjunction with Randall’s repavement project of Legion Drive and 96th Street, east of the village limits;

• the board also heard a request for a four way stop sign to be placed at the intersection of Wisconsin and Mueller Avenues from resident Brian Letarte.

In a letter sent to village president Howard Skinner, Letarte cited concerns of motorists driving in excess of the 25 mph posted limit and noted the many children who play in the neighborhood.

Cox said the Twin Lakes Police Department performed a traffic study at the intersection and found the traffic speeds did not warrant a four-way stop. However, other cautionary signage would be considered.

• the plan commission will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 28, to discuss amendments to the village code related to townhouses as a use in the residential district, consideration of a request to concert a duplex condo into a town home under the code and consideration of potential amendments to the village code related to wetlands and floodplains.

 

Burning in village

Residents who want to get a jump-start on yard work are reminded burning is prohibited in certain areas. According to the village’s code requirements, “Burning is allowed on private property only.

“No burning is allowed on or in streets, alleys, gutters, ditch lines, other drainage ways, fire lanes, within 15 feet of the ordinary high water mark, nor closer than 10 feet from any building, or closer than 15 feet from a property line.

“Only branches, logs or dry leaves may be burned. Wood or material treated with chemical preservatives, artificial finishes such as varnish, stain, or paint, or other such substance which is not naturally occurring on the wood are prohibited. In addition, the burning of rubbish, trash, junk or construction material is prohibited.”

A the full list of rules is posted on the village’s website, www.villageoftwinlakes.net. Residents should never burn when it is windy and always be a good neighbor and be aware which way the wind is blowing smoke.

 

Recycling Center

The Twin Lakes Recycling Center (located next to public works) is open from April to November from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesdays; 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. to2 p.m. on Sundays.

No commercial use is allowed; center is for residents only. Items allowed are branches and grass clippings, no construction material or household


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